assumed that no discussion of Christianity in general nor of the
philosophy of Christianity is required. The "Mormon" creed, so
far as there is a creed professed by the Latter-day Saints, is
pre-eminently Christian in theory, precept, and practise. In
what respect, then, may be properly asked, does "Mormonism"
differ from the faith and practise of other professedly Christian
systems--in short, what is "Mormonism?"

First, let it be remembered that the term "Mormon," with its
derivatives, is not the official designation of the Church with
which it is usually associated. The name was originally applied
in a spirit of derision, as a nick-name in fact, by the opponents
of the Church; and was doubtless suggested by the title of a
prominent publication given to the world through Joseph Smith in
an early period of the Church's history. This, of course, is the
Book of Mormon. Nevertheless, the people have accepted the name
thus thrust upon them, and answer readily to its call. The
proper title of the organization is "The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints." The philosophy of "Mormonism" is declared
in the name. The people claim this name as having been bestowed
by revelation and therefore that, like other names given of God
as attested by scriptural instances, it is at once name and title
combined.

The Church declines to sail under any flag of man-made design; it
repudiates the name of mortals as a part of its title, and thus
differs from Lutherans and Wesleyans, Calvinists, Mennonites, and
many others, all of whom, worthy though their organizations may
be, elevating as may be their precepts, good as may be their
practises, declare themselves the followers of men. This is not